OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb 1, 2016) - Today, senior officials from the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada, held a technical briefing with the Mayors of Beauharnois and Montreal regarding the Kathryn Spirit vessel.

Since 2011, the Kathryn Spirit, has been moored, awaiting dismantling, on the shores of Lake Saint-Louis, in Beauharnois, Québec.

"I am pleased that today's discussions were very productive. A collaborative working group was struck to examine options for a permanent and safe solution," said the Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister for the Department of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

"The Government of Canada understands that abandoned vessels are an issue for Canadian waterways. I am happy that we are working collaboratively to find a solution for the Kathryn Spirit. Transport Canada will continue to provide technical assistance in order to maintain a safe marine environment," said the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.

The Working Group, which will meet in two weeks, consists of representatives from the Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Quebec Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change and the municipalities of Montreal and Beauharnois.

While this important work unfolds with our partners, the vessel will continue to be monitored until this situation is permanently resolved.

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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